Marcelo Llarull

Friends, family and colleagues of Marcelo Llarull, professor of mathematics, who passed away last year, have created an endowed scholarship in his honor that will benefit students who study mathematics at William Paterson University.

Llarull joined the faculty in 1990. His time at the University encompassed more than teaching math and reflected an interest in the entire campus community. He developed online courses for several math courses including contemporary mathematics, history of mathematics, multivariable calculus and using technology in the math curriculum. In addition to serving as advisor to the Math Club, he served at the webmaster for AFT Local 1796, and was assistant negotiator to the Union vice president. He authored three books on mathematics and was widely published in his field.

“Professor Llarull was a world-class mathematician and a productive member of the mathematics department for over 15 years,” says Mahendra Jani, professor of mathematics. “The impact of his contributions will continue to help the department to make progress in several directions.  He was a very sincere, dedicated, hard-working, and dependable person with a great heart.  He loved to teach and his office was always crowded with students seeking his guidance. We are very sad to lose a wonderful colleague at the peak of his career.” 

“In spite of his terminal illness, he enthusiastically and joyfully found ways to teach and to contribute to the department until the last days of his life,” says Melkamu Zeleke,  chair of the mathematics department.  “He set a marvelous example of courage and will power for all of us.  Since Marcelo excelled in everything he did and encouraged students to learn more mathematics, we thought that his soul will be at peace if we had a scholarship for math majors in his name.  The department faculty members unanimously agreed to collect funds for this scholarship.  With the help of the faculty members' contributions and a
large contribution by a generous anonymous donor, we were able to create an endowed scholarship in his loving memory.”  

The Marcelo Llarull Scholarship Fund is open to senior mathematics majors who have completed at least 25 credits in the major with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. In addition to academic excellence, the recipients of the award must have a proven record of service to the department such as tutoring, or participation in department events. Eligible majors may apply for the scholarship by contacting the math department during the spring semester.

“Through this scholarship we are hoping to encourage young mathematics majors to excel in their mathematical studies and continue to contribute to the department by assisting math majors in our mathematics learning center, math club activities and others.  Also, it
will keep a loving memory of our dear colleague Marcelo Llarull alive,” Zeleke says.

This year’s scholarship recipients are Jennifer Winer and Laura Weinstein. To contribute to the Marcelo Llarull Scholarship, please contact Barbara Stomber, manager of donor relations, at 973-720-3811.